George Harrison is gone.
November 30, 2001 12:30 AM Subscribe
George Harrison is gone. It's not totally unforseen, but is still a little sad. Here comes the sun has always been one of my favorites. It has a gentle way of making me smile. That's a nice legacy to leave people .
So sad.
With my facetious hat on, isn't this a double post?
posted by salmacis at 12:51 AM on November 30, 2001
With my facetious hat on, isn't this a double post?
posted by salmacis at 12:51 AM on November 30, 2001
who gives a f*ck.
the man is a big piece of history.
posted by Frasermoo at 1:10 AM on November 30, 2001
the man is a big piece of history.
posted by Frasermoo at 1:10 AM on November 30, 2001
no it isn't salmacis. there's a world of difference between being alive and dead. where there was life there was hope.....
posted by quarsan at 1:12 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by quarsan at 1:12 AM on November 30, 2001
Very very very sad. Another great has passed..........
posted by ericdano at 1:14 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by ericdano at 1:14 AM on November 30, 2001
Dear Frasermoo; Of course the man is a big piece of history. That's why we all give a f*ck.
posted by Newbornstranger at 1:19 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by Newbornstranger at 1:19 AM on November 30, 2001
newborn, i think frasermoo was referring to salmacis's inappropriate remark.
posted by quarsan at 1:20 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by quarsan at 1:20 AM on November 30, 2001
I know what you mean salmacis, I think. I hesitated after I heard it on tv for a second -- after the misreporting fuss this summer I thought maybe it's another twist of someone's comments. But apparently there was already a service Thursday afternoon. There aren't any obituaries posted yet that do him justice. I'm sure they'll be appearing really soon.
posted by dness2 at 1:21 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by dness2 at 1:21 AM on November 30, 2001
I knew this would happen soon, but I am still mourning. I just read this here, then turned on the radio and flipped the dial until I found a station playing "Something." It was followed by "Isn't It A Pity," and so now I know that it's really true, this time. The radio is in tribute mode.
It does contrast a bit to John Lennon's death, when just about EVERY station played Lennon music all night -- even breaking format to do so. This time I went past quite a few stations before I found one playing Harrisongs.
Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I care. I don't know; I can't explain it. My mother played the Beatles for me while I was in the womb. I can't remember not liking them. One of my earliest memories was seeing Yellow Submarine in the theater.
George was never my favorite Beatle (always John), but he was an indispensable part of what the Beatles were.
Damn, I'm getting teary at a Traveling Wilburys song on the radio, now.
posted by litlnemo at 1:34 AM on November 30, 2001
It does contrast a bit to John Lennon's death, when just about EVERY station played Lennon music all night -- even breaking format to do so. This time I went past quite a few stations before I found one playing Harrisongs.
Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I care. I don't know; I can't explain it. My mother played the Beatles for me while I was in the womb. I can't remember not liking them. One of my earliest memories was seeing Yellow Submarine in the theater.
George was never my favorite Beatle (always John), but he was an indispensable part of what the Beatles were.
Damn, I'm getting teary at a Traveling Wilburys song on the radio, now.
posted by litlnemo at 1:34 AM on November 30, 2001
The world of dew
is a world of dew,
and yet, and yet...
Ah, well indeed...
posted by y2karl at 1:42 AM on November 30, 2001
is a world of dew,
and yet, and yet...
Ah, well indeed...
posted by y2karl at 1:42 AM on November 30, 2001
Another great man gone.
Something.
The greatest love song ever written.
He'll be eating savoy truffle with ghandi.
posted by Spoon at 1:53 AM on November 30, 2001
Something.
The greatest love song ever written.
He'll be eating savoy truffle with ghandi.
posted by Spoon at 1:53 AM on November 30, 2001
"Sail me on a silver sun, for I know that I'm free
Show me that I'm everywhere, and get me home for tea..."
posted by insomnia_lj at 2:09 AM on November 30, 2001
Show me that I'm everywhere, and get me home for tea..."
posted by insomnia_lj at 2:09 AM on November 30, 2001
I was stunned and I still am..time flies, from then till now, with everything in between, time has flown and still, time flies. You did real good,this time.
posted by Mack Twain at 2:11 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by Mack Twain at 2:11 AM on November 30, 2001
Like them or not, appreciate the guys Beatles with all their defects and skills or not, they're the minstrels of an era.
Their songs are actual ,forever actual ..their tunes will probably be played for the next hundred years because for some reason you can't really forget their best ones and they're many.
Bye George you will be remembered as one of the good things of the past, you've made history, you've not died as another number in statistics, I wish I'll be able to leave some people some joy before I die.
posted by elpapacito at 2:27 AM on November 30, 2001
Their songs are actual ,forever actual ..their tunes will probably be played for the next hundred years because for some reason you can't really forget their best ones and they're many.
Bye George you will be remembered as one of the good things of the past, you've made history, you've not died as another number in statistics, I wish I'll be able to leave some people some joy before I die.
posted by elpapacito at 2:27 AM on November 30, 2001
I heard the news today, oh... no.
And what was I doing when I learned of gentle George's passing? Writing about whether the U.S. should intervene militarily in Iraq. There's something terribly wrong with that picture. How doubly sad.
posted by verdezza at 2:38 AM on November 30, 2001
And what was I doing when I learned of gentle George's passing? Writing about whether the U.S. should intervene militarily in Iraq. There's something terribly wrong with that picture. How doubly sad.
posted by verdezza at 2:38 AM on November 30, 2001
Verdezza - I agree. Who more than George Harrison has genuinely looked into the nature of peace, worked for it, sung for it, urged us to make peace? Even John Lennon didn't quite master the beatific pop-star peacefulness that George had since his first discovery of meditation.
I must admit I winced to see Tony Blair - who didn't know George any more than I do - mourning his passing on TV, but still, Mr. Harrison deserves our utmost respect (and all the double-posts we can muster today!) Remember George and remember what life's all about when we sit around arguing about the importance of bombing some new country.
posted by skylar at 2:59 AM on November 30, 2001
I must admit I winced to see Tony Blair - who didn't know George any more than I do - mourning his passing on TV, but still, Mr. Harrison deserves our utmost respect (and all the double-posts we can muster today!) Remember George and remember what life's all about when we sit around arguing about the importance of bombing some new country.
posted by skylar at 2:59 AM on November 30, 2001
Fave track: "When we was Fab."
And while you're in this world
The fuzz gonna come and claim you
But you mo better wise
When the buzz gonna come and take you away
posted by allaboutgeorge at 3:18 AM on November 30, 2001
And while you're in this world
The fuzz gonna come and claim you
But you mo better wise
When the buzz gonna come and take you away
posted by allaboutgeorge at 3:18 AM on November 30, 2001
Thank goodness he escaped the Beatles -- and was finally able to make some decent music. His 1987 hit "I've Got My Mind Set On You" is my favorite.
posted by davidmsc at 3:53 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by davidmsc at 3:53 AM on November 30, 2001
I'm going to repeat myself here, same thing I posted last July
Q: "Have you a tribute that you would like to pay to Mr. Epstein?"
JOHN: "Well you know... We don't know what to say. We loved him and he was one of us."
GEORGE: "You can't pay tribute in words."
You can't pay tribute in words indeed.
posted by matteo at 4:06 AM on November 30, 2001
Q: "Have you a tribute that you would like to pay to Mr. Epstein?"
JOHN: "Well you know... We don't know what to say. We loved him and he was one of us."
GEORGE: "You can't pay tribute in words."
You can't pay tribute in words indeed.
posted by matteo at 4:06 AM on November 30, 2001
The master of the minor chord progression. . .
I can't see as hoiw they won't still be playing the Beatles centuries from now.
posted by BentPenguin at 4:29 AM on November 30, 2001
I can't see as hoiw they won't still be playing the Beatles centuries from now.
posted by BentPenguin at 4:29 AM on November 30, 2001
litlnemo: "Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the world, at 36."
I'm 33. Born and raised on Beatles. In my childhood, Ringo was my favorite. In high school it was Paul. In college, John. Now it's George. Fave Track: "Blood From A Clone" which ain't Beatles. It's all George.
They say they like it now, but in the market
It may not go well as it's too laid back.
You need some oomph, Papa;
nothing like Frank Zappa
And not New Wave they don't play that crap
Try beating your head on a brick wall
Hard like a stone
Don't have time for the music
They want the blood from a clone
The Beatles transcended generation gaps. George transcended... well, *shrug* he's transcended everything.
Each day just goes so fast,
I turn around, it's past,
You don't get time to hang a sing on me.
Love me while you can,
Or I'll get a plan.
A lifetime is so short,
A new one can't be bought,
And what you've got means such a lot to me.
RIP, Seeker. Hope you found what you were looking for, dear sir. Thanks for helping others along the way. And thanks for the music.
posted by ZachsMind at 4:49 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
I'm 33. Born and raised on Beatles. In my childhood, Ringo was my favorite. In high school it was Paul. In college, John. Now it's George. Fave Track: "Blood From A Clone" which ain't Beatles. It's all George.
They say they like it now, but in the market
It may not go well as it's too laid back.
You need some oomph, Papa;
nothing like Frank Zappa
And not New Wave they don't play that crap
Try beating your head on a brick wall
Hard like a stone
Don't have time for the music
They want the blood from a clone
The Beatles transcended generation gaps. George transcended... well, *shrug* he's transcended everything.
Each day just goes so fast,
I turn around, it's past,
You don't get time to hang a sing on me.
Love me while you can,
Or I'll get a plan.
A lifetime is so short,
A new one can't be bought,
And what you've got means such a lot to me.
RIP, Seeker. Hope you found what you were looking for, dear sir. Thanks for helping others along the way. And thanks for the music.
posted by ZachsMind at 4:49 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
BentPenguin, I agree. Musiciansstill name the Beatles as an influence on their own compositions. We may not have the hindsight to see the big picture.
We have trouble agreeing on music at family gatherings because we have a 75 year age range. But we all agree on the Beatles!
posted by Dinzie at 5:08 AM on November 30, 2001
We have trouble agreeing on music at family gatherings because we have a 75 year age range. But we all agree on the Beatles!
posted by Dinzie at 5:08 AM on November 30, 2001
uh, to clear above, my "f*ck" remark was to the double post comment, not to the sad loss of George.
my wording was emotionally driven.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:25 AM on November 30, 2001
my wording was emotionally driven.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:25 AM on November 30, 2001
>Thank goodness he escaped the Beatles -- and was finally able to make some decent music. His 1987 hit "I've Got My Mind Set On You" is my favorite.
OK, let's stop the weepin' and start the fightin'. Anyone who would place "I've Got My Mind Set on You" (an aerobics song and little else, in my book) over "Something," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Norwegian Wood" needs to go back and listen to the catalog again. There WILL be a quiz.
Hmpf.
posted by nance at 5:27 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
OK, let's stop the weepin' and start the fightin'. Anyone who would place "I've Got My Mind Set on You" (an aerobics song and little else, in my book) over "Something," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Norwegian Wood" needs to go back and listen to the catalog again. There WILL be a quiz.
Hmpf.
posted by nance at 5:27 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
Apologies for the "double post" facetiousness. It just seems like that episode in Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail:
"I'm not dead yet!"
"You're not fooling anybody, you know!"
I've not been able to take "I've Got My Mind Set On You" seriously ever since I heard Weird Al Yankovic's version, "This Song Is Just Two Lines Long". The chous goes "And it's gonna take lyrics, a whole lotta lyrics..."
posted by salmacis at 5:48 AM on November 30, 2001
"I'm not dead yet!"
"You're not fooling anybody, you know!"
I've not been able to take "I've Got My Mind Set On You" seriously ever since I heard Weird Al Yankovic's version, "This Song Is Just Two Lines Long". The chous goes "And it's gonna take lyrics, a whole lotta lyrics..."
posted by salmacis at 5:48 AM on November 30, 2001
What has three legs and lives on a farm?
Paul McCartney and his wife.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:52 AM on November 30, 2001
Paul McCartney and his wife.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:52 AM on November 30, 2001
I have a fond memory of watching George drink beer and strum Beatles tunes on a Ukulele in the Beatles Anthology that ran in 1995.
It strikes me how weird it would have been if George hadn't survived the attack on his life by that lunatic a couple years back -- then two of the Beatles would have been done in by nut jobs.
Instead the tobacco companies got him. 58 was too early.
posted by uftheory at 6:14 AM on November 30, 2001
It strikes me how weird it would have been if George hadn't survived the attack on his life by that lunatic a couple years back -- then two of the Beatles would have been done in by nut jobs.
Instead the tobacco companies got him. 58 was too early.
posted by uftheory at 6:14 AM on November 30, 2001
For what it's worth, I think "I've Got My Mind Set On You" was a cover, not a Harrison original. But I could be misremembering.
Not that interpreting others' work shouldn't be respected -- I think it should, much more than it often is. But given that Harrison wrote so many amazing songs, it is odd to prefer the cover.
"What is my life without your love?
And tell me who am I, without you
by my side?"
I can't find my vinyl copy of that album, dammit.
posted by litlnemo at 6:18 AM on November 30, 2001
Not that interpreting others' work shouldn't be respected -- I think it should, much more than it often is. But given that Harrison wrote so many amazing songs, it is odd to prefer the cover.
"What is my life without your love?
And tell me who am I, without you
by my side?"
I can't find my vinyl copy of that album, dammit.
posted by litlnemo at 6:18 AM on November 30, 2001
I've not been able to take "I've Got My Mind Set On You" seriously ever since I heard Weird Al Yankovic's version, "This Song Is Just Two Lines Long". The chous goes "And it's gonna take lyrics, a whole lotta lyrics..."
Didn't he also do a 5-second version where he sings this line once:
"This song only has six words."
That always cracks me up.
posted by straight at 6:22 AM on November 30, 2001
Didn't he also do a 5-second version where he sings this line once:
"This song only has six words."
That always cracks me up.
posted by straight at 6:22 AM on November 30, 2001
George was human. Bright Tunes Music Corp. v. Harrisongs Music, Ltd. (So. Dist. NY, 1976) George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" contains a melody reminiscent of the Chiffon's "He's so Fine" which was a popular song Harrison likely heard on the radio. The Court held that Harrison's subconscious copying of an earlier composition is actionable infringement. According to the court, even though Harrison did not deliberately plagiarize the earlier work, "his subconscious knew...a song his conscious mind did not remember."
posted by Carol Anne at 6:29 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by Carol Anne at 6:29 AM on November 30, 2001
I was 11 when "She Loves You "broke. I LOVED the Beatles. It was preteen fan worship, of course - I used to imagine them hanging out at my house, building model cars with me (and I still got my Beatles bubble gum cards!) - but what was so unique was that their music "grew up" along with me. I mean, how many pop stars that you raved over at age 11 can you even tolerate at sophisticated age 18?
I cried when Lennon died. George's death wasn't a shock, but it still feels like I've lost a piece of my youth.
posted by groundhog at 6:31 AM on November 30, 2001
I cried when Lennon died. George's death wasn't a shock, but it still feels like I've lost a piece of my youth.
posted by groundhog at 6:31 AM on November 30, 2001
My fave? I Me Mine off of Let It Be.
I'm 33, too. I grew up enjoying the Beatles but it wasn't until I got to college that my appreciation really deepened. The CDs came out and two people for whom I had great respect would play the albums incessantly and non-stop. A deepness and appreciation formed which only comes to you after repeated listenings and the music started affect me differently. I've always been a music fanatic across a broad range of styles but it was Brad and Paul that showed me what a brilliant person George really was. So, for all that, I'm thankful. Looking at the album cover for Let It Be, I love the contrast of George's expression to the rest of the band.
There are some pretty interesting covers out there as well - Fiona Apple - Across the Universe and Nina Hagen - My Sweet Lord come to mind.
posted by warhol at 6:32 AM on November 30, 2001
I'm 33, too. I grew up enjoying the Beatles but it wasn't until I got to college that my appreciation really deepened. The CDs came out and two people for whom I had great respect would play the albums incessantly and non-stop. A deepness and appreciation formed which only comes to you after repeated listenings and the music started affect me differently. I've always been a music fanatic across a broad range of styles but it was Brad and Paul that showed me what a brilliant person George really was. So, for all that, I'm thankful. Looking at the album cover for Let It Be, I love the contrast of George's expression to the rest of the band.
There are some pretty interesting covers out there as well - Fiona Apple - Across the Universe and Nina Hagen - My Sweet Lord come to mind.
posted by warhol at 6:32 AM on November 30, 2001
Don't worry - there are always going to be pockets of kids that like the Beatles. I'm 21 and I know lots of people (myself included) who have Beatles CDs. In high school I was obsessed, knew every track number for every song (well not of that early fluff) and read too many books about them. I even have Abbey Road on LP. It's a lot easier to play them backwards on a computer, that's for sure.
I remember the day I learned "I've got my mind set on you" was a Harrison song. All along I had liked it, and then I learn it's by someone I already like. I guess there won't be more moments like this.
posted by phoenix enflamed at 6:43 AM on November 30, 2001
I remember the day I learned "I've got my mind set on you" was a Harrison song. All along I had liked it, and then I learn it's by someone I already like. I guess there won't be more moments like this.
posted by phoenix enflamed at 6:43 AM on November 30, 2001
no, wierd al yankovic's parody of "i've got my mind set on you" was not called "this song is just two lines long," and no, he did not also do a five-second version called "this song only has six words." it was called "this song is just six words long," and it was the same length as any other song. it's actually pretty funny:
This song's got nothin' to say
But I'm recording it anyway
I know if I put my mind to it
I know I could find a good rhyme here
also, did you ever see the video for "i've got my mind set on you," where a guy in a video arcade was trying to win a ballerina for some girl? silly.
i know way too much about wierd al yankovic.
posted by bluishorange at 6:44 AM on November 30, 2001
This song's got nothin' to say
But I'm recording it anyway
I know if I put my mind to it
I know I could find a good rhyme here
also, did you ever see the video for "i've got my mind set on you," where a guy in a video arcade was trying to win a ballerina for some girl? silly.
i know way too much about wierd al yankovic.
posted by bluishorange at 6:44 AM on November 30, 2001
I am still in shock.
George Harrison wass my favorite Beatle. In fact, yesterday at about the time of his death I was in a discussion with co-workers about the best Beatle songs being written by George.
posted by DragonBoy at 6:45 AM on November 30, 2001
George Harrison wass my favorite Beatle. In fact, yesterday at about the time of his death I was in a discussion with co-workers about the best Beatle songs being written by George.
posted by DragonBoy at 6:45 AM on November 30, 2001
I am actually upset by his passing. Does anyone know if there will be any vigils in his memory? You will be missed.
posted by aj100 at 6:49 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by aj100 at 6:49 AM on November 30, 2001
"Sgt Pepper" was my first cd when I got my first cd player for Christmas fourteen years ago or so, when I was about 15. I loved the Beatles madly, and George was my favorite. It sounds like he had a good death, peaceful and surrounded by loved ones. I'm glad it was this and not the loonie with the knife.
Has anyone read anything from Ringo about this? It seems like everyone who had anything to do with the Beatles has said something except for him. Maybe he's doing the "you can't pay a tribute in words" thing?
posted by kittyb at 7:19 AM on November 30, 2001
Has anyone read anything from Ringo about this? It seems like everyone who had anything to do with the Beatles has said something except for him. Maybe he's doing the "you can't pay a tribute in words" thing?
posted by kittyb at 7:19 AM on November 30, 2001
kittyb, there has been some speculation on Beatles newsgroups that the "friend's house in LA" where he died was actually Ringo's house ...
posted by anastasiav at 7:29 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by anastasiav at 7:29 AM on November 30, 2001
When I was about 7 one of the first 45's I bought was "Love Me Do" by the Beatles. I had no idea who they were, I just liked the song. For some reason that song was #1 in England again (and the only reason I can figure out why was that it was 1980 and John Lennon had been shot? I don't know, it seems bizarre). Then, when I was a teenager, my older sister discovered the Beatles and started playing all of my mom's old records (which my mom didn't play any more--I think because of the drugs) and she would force us all to watch Help! ("Jeweler, you're not getting anywhere are you jeweler?") and A Hard Day's Night. One thing about the Beatles is that every year I get more of an appreciation for them. But I've never actually owned one of their albums. I think it's time for me to visit the music store!
I remember when "I Got My Mind Set On You" came out and my sister and I were running through the train station in Holland singing it at the top of our lungs. :-)
This thread has helped me discover more about a wonderful musician. Thank you.
posted by witchstone at 7:29 AM on November 30, 2001
I remember when "I Got My Mind Set On You" came out and my sister and I were running through the train station in Holland singing it at the top of our lungs. :-)
This thread has helped me discover more about a wonderful musician. Thank you.
posted by witchstone at 7:29 AM on November 30, 2001
You know, I dread the idea that in the next 20 years or so, all my childhood heroes will be checking out.
Dylan, the rest of the Dead.
Which is worse? To go out before your time ala Hendryx/Joplin/Cobain ? Or Like George did, with a full and accomplished life anyone should rightfully envy t be their own?
I will,always wonder about the music that never made it out of Jimi's head in time, but old rockers like George, (and Eric, and the Who... they leave behind them very respectable legacies and there's nothing to sad about that.
Now, about that new solo Jagger Project... he should learn a thing or two from Garbo.
posted by BentPenguin at 7:32 AM on November 30, 2001
Dylan, the rest of the Dead.
Which is worse? To go out before your time ala Hendryx/Joplin/Cobain ? Or Like George did, with a full and accomplished life anyone should rightfully envy t be their own?
I will,always wonder about the music that never made it out of Jimi's head in time, but old rockers like George, (and Eric, and the Who... they leave behind them very respectable legacies and there's nothing to sad about that.
Now, about that new solo Jagger Project... he should learn a thing or two from Garbo.
posted by BentPenguin at 7:32 AM on November 30, 2001
I don't think George would want us to be depressed about him passing. His beliefs were very strong. He wasn't unhappy about it. The man lived a heck of a life. He lived more than some could ever hope. He died with family and friends around him. He was cool with it. We can be cool with it too.
To clarify a couple things said earlier in the thread, I've Got My Mind Set On You was originally performed by James Ray in 1962. Harrison covered it in 1987 for his Cloud Nine album. The original composer's name was Rudy Clark.
I don't know when Weird Al did his version. Besides lauding Harrison once, he also did at least two Beatles parodies. "Free As A Bird" and "Taxman." However, they were unreleased: never made it to any of his albums. Impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery. =)
I've done searches, but can't find any actual quote from George Harrison regarding Al Yankovic. I don't know if George took it well or not. My guess is he did, because he was always fighting against "pop" influence after he left the Beatles. He probably agreed with Al, that a song should be a bit more complex than repetitive lyrics with simple guitar chord progression.
He did so much good work, both as a musician and as a charitable soul, but his "Hits" were few and far between, and the public seemed to only consume the works he tossed off, ignoring his more intricate and thoughtful works because they weren't marketable. But occasionally he just bowed to the absurd, and had fun with the music. Music was synonymous with love to him. He just loved sharing music with the world.
In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
He made a lot. =) George Harrison isn't dead so long as the music lives on, and he finished his life's journey. Today's a good day.
posted by ZachsMind at 7:35 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
To clarify a couple things said earlier in the thread, I've Got My Mind Set On You was originally performed by James Ray in 1962. Harrison covered it in 1987 for his Cloud Nine album. The original composer's name was Rudy Clark.
I don't know when Weird Al did his version. Besides lauding Harrison once, he also did at least two Beatles parodies. "Free As A Bird" and "Taxman." However, they were unreleased: never made it to any of his albums. Impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery. =)
I've done searches, but can't find any actual quote from George Harrison regarding Al Yankovic. I don't know if George took it well or not. My guess is he did, because he was always fighting against "pop" influence after he left the Beatles. He probably agreed with Al, that a song should be a bit more complex than repetitive lyrics with simple guitar chord progression.
He did so much good work, both as a musician and as a charitable soul, but his "Hits" were few and far between, and the public seemed to only consume the works he tossed off, ignoring his more intricate and thoughtful works because they weren't marketable. But occasionally he just bowed to the absurd, and had fun with the music. Music was synonymous with love to him. He just loved sharing music with the world.
In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
He made a lot. =) George Harrison isn't dead so long as the music lives on, and he finished his life's journey. Today's a good day.
posted by ZachsMind at 7:35 AM on November 30, 2001 [1 favorite]
warhol: "Across the Universe" was mainly a Lennon song, attributed as usual to Lennon/McCartney. Fabulous cover by Fiona Apple, though, regardless. And viva George.
posted by raysmj at 7:41 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by raysmj at 7:41 AM on November 30, 2001
> Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the
> world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I
> care. I don't know;
Don't worry. My daughter (age 11) and most of her middle school friends love the Beatles. Kelly asked for "1" for Christmas last year and I also gave her a home-burned CD of my own personal Beatles faves. She and her buddies listened to these for a few weeks; then she reported that one friend had remarked (re. Limp Bizkit, I think) "How can they sleep, knowing they suck so bad?"
posted by jfuller at 7:41 AM on November 30, 2001
> world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I
> care. I don't know;
Don't worry. My daughter (age 11) and most of her middle school friends love the Beatles. Kelly asked for "1" for Christmas last year and I also gave her a home-burned CD of my own personal Beatles faves. She and her buddies listened to these for a few weeks; then she reported that one friend had remarked (re. Limp Bizkit, I think) "How can they sleep, knowing they suck so bad?"
posted by jfuller at 7:41 AM on November 30, 2001
I'm going to miss his association with Terry Gilliam in making films. Time Bandits remains one of my favorite quirky movies of all times. I'm trying very hard not to be sad today, but it isn't working. Thank you for everything, George, and rest in peace.
posted by Wulfgar! at 7:49 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by Wulfgar! at 7:49 AM on November 30, 2001
I bet there will be a crowd tonight in Central Park, most likely at the Imagine circle just inside the park at Central Park West (near the Dakota) and probably people at Strawberry Fields. So if I were looking to commisserate in person, that'd be where I'd head.
posted by Mo Nickels at 7:59 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by Mo Nickels at 7:59 AM on November 30, 2001
I heard on WNYC this morning that the crowds were already starting to gather at Strawberry Fields.
posted by mmm at 8:05 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by mmm at 8:05 AM on November 30, 2001
i woke up to see a george harrison thing on vh1, and i was well that's cool. he's not on here much. then i decided that today would be a good day to watch "the compleat beatles" movie that i've watched a million times, and then dug out my favorite beatles book "a day in the life" since i hadn't read it in a while.
and then i checked my email and found out that he'd died, from a cnn breaking news thing. i cried for about an hour after i found out.
i'm going to wear my abbey road shirt (from the 70's that i stole from my mom) under my work shirt today, and play beatles music all night long.
posted by mabelcolby at 8:07 AM on November 30, 2001
and then i checked my email and found out that he'd died, from a cnn breaking news thing. i cried for about an hour after i found out.
i'm going to wear my abbey road shirt (from the 70's that i stole from my mom) under my work shirt today, and play beatles music all night long.
posted by mabelcolby at 8:07 AM on November 30, 2001
Yes, his contribution to the film industry as a producer shouldn't be forgotten. I think I must be the only person alive who actually liked Water.
posted by salmacis at 8:14 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by salmacis at 8:14 AM on November 30, 2001
litlnemo: Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I care.
You aren't. I'm 24. Loved them since I was a little one. My dad introduced them to me and someday, when I have children, I'll pass the Beatles on to them.
Timeless music. A beautiful man. A kind spirit. Such a loss.
posted by jerseygirl at 8:17 AM on November 30, 2001
You aren't. I'm 24. Loved them since I was a little one. My dad introduced them to me and someday, when I have children, I'll pass the Beatles on to them.
Timeless music. A beautiful man. A kind spirit. Such a loss.
posted by jerseygirl at 8:17 AM on November 30, 2001
Rock on, jerseygirl. My son is 4, his favorite song is "Yellow Submarine", and we almost always play it and sing along on the way to school.
posted by groundhog at 8:23 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by groundhog at 8:23 AM on November 30, 2001
litlnemo: Sometimes I feel like the youngest Beatles fan in the world, at 36. People younger than I am ask me why I care.
i'm 21, and i'm one of the biggest beatles fans i know
posted by mabelcolby at 8:25 AM on November 30, 2001
i'm 21, and i'm one of the biggest beatles fans i know
posted by mabelcolby at 8:25 AM on November 30, 2001
i'm 23, and the beatles were a part of my childhood. i can still remember, the very first time i ever said to myself, "man mom, you were COOL" was when i discovered the beatles through her. realizing your mom is cool in those crazed rebelious teenage years is quite an event. they were a huge part of her life (she organized the US fanclub, was pen pals with george's mother, and even had tea with the harrisons at their home in england), and somehow they became a huge part of my life. now that i think about it, the beatles were the first real "bonding" experience we had as a family.
thanks george.
as an aside, why do i feel guilty recently about learning about sad and tragic events over a cold lifeless computer? it makes me feel cold and lifeless. perhaps the first thing i need to do in the morning is say hi to a human, instead of plopping my ass down in front of a computer screen to learn about the sadness of the world.
posted by afx114 at 8:26 AM on November 30, 2001
thanks george.
as an aside, why do i feel guilty recently about learning about sad and tragic events over a cold lifeless computer? it makes me feel cold and lifeless. perhaps the first thing i need to do in the morning is say hi to a human, instead of plopping my ass down in front of a computer screen to learn about the sadness of the world.
posted by afx114 at 8:26 AM on November 30, 2001
My favorite George Harrison song was "He's So Fine."
...oh come on, even GEORGE joked about that!
posted by dogwelder at 8:39 AM on November 30, 2001
...oh come on, even GEORGE joked about that!
posted by dogwelder at 8:39 AM on November 30, 2001
I'm 23 and I started listening to the Beatles on my own (i.e. I would go find the tape and play it by myself) in the mid '80s. Something and Here Comes The Sun are two of my favourites.
My favourite Beatle is Paul, but George was just as irreplaceable too.
Thanks for everything George.
posted by riffola at 9:21 AM on November 30, 2001
My favourite Beatle is Paul, but George was just as irreplaceable too.
Thanks for everything George.
posted by riffola at 9:21 AM on November 30, 2001
I always liked "Apple Scruffs." It was such a jaunty, goofy song, especially with that "Ooooo-ahhhh Ooooo-ahhhh, yip-a-dang-ding-dang" bit during the second verse.
Good night, George.
posted by RakDaddy at 9:25 AM on November 30, 2001
Good night, George.
posted by RakDaddy at 9:25 AM on November 30, 2001
I liked him as the reporter in the Rutles and I recall he played with Neil Innes and Eric Idle in a Beeb Rutles Special back in the 70's.
He was a good mate and knew a decent joke.
posted by Dagobert at 9:50 AM on November 30, 2001
He was a good mate and knew a decent joke.
posted by Dagobert at 9:50 AM on November 30, 2001
My alarm went off this morning as "My Sweet Lord" began to play on the news station I listen to and I immediately knew what had happened. I'm very sad today. George Harrison lived a great life and his serenity and peaceful ways are perfect examples of the right way to conduct your life. A coworker who plays guitar in a local band said to me this morning that few people really appreciated George's guitar work; just for that he'd be remembered as one of rock's premiere rockers. But he was also a member of the group that influenced EVERYBODY since and for that he'll be remembered as a legend.
posted by jaustinspace at 9:55 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by jaustinspace at 9:55 AM on November 30, 2001
I vividly remember when I was a kid and listened to my parents' Beatles records for the first time. These guys were genius. Their music was just so happy.
I wasn't old enough to remember Lennon getting shot, which I am glad for, but I'll remember this. George was always my favorite because he was the cool and aloof one.
We should celebrate what he did in life rather than be sad that he has passed.
posted by catatonic at 10:11 AM on November 30, 2001
I wasn't old enough to remember Lennon getting shot, which I am glad for, but I'll remember this. George was always my favorite because he was the cool and aloof one.
We should celebrate what he did in life rather than be sad that he has passed.
posted by catatonic at 10:11 AM on November 30, 2001
"Added Pete Degan, 42: ''It's a sad day for rock and roll.''"
I found that on AOL. Gosh, I remember crying over realizing that John Lennon had died when I was 13, and that was in 1993!! So li, you're not the world's youngest Beatles fan. On December 5, I was going to NYC to see Strawberry Feilds for the John Lennon Memorial.
posted by Katy Action at 10:16 AM on November 30, 2001
I found that on AOL. Gosh, I remember crying over realizing that John Lennon had died when I was 13, and that was in 1993!! So li, you're not the world's youngest Beatles fan. On December 5, I was going to NYC to see Strawberry Feilds for the John Lennon Memorial.
posted by Katy Action at 10:16 AM on November 30, 2001
Isn't it a pity
isn't it a shame
how we break each other's hearts
and cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
without thinking any more
Forgetting to give back
isn't it a pity
posted by Ty Webb at 10:35 AM on November 30, 2001
isn't it a shame
how we break each other's hearts
and cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
without thinking any more
Forgetting to give back
isn't it a pity
posted by Ty Webb at 10:35 AM on November 30, 2001
Rock and Roll Heaven's band just got better... God Bless George Harrison, His Family, freinds, and fans...
posted by danger at 10:39 AM on November 30, 2001
posted by danger at 10:39 AM on November 30, 2001
kittyb: Has anyone read anything from Ringo about this? It seems like everyone who had anything to do with the Beatles has said something except for him. Maybe he's doing the "you can't pay a tribute in words" thing?
Ringo Starr said he would miss the band's lead guitarist "for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter...George was a best friend of mine. I loved him very much and I will miss him greatly," he said in a statement from his home in Vancouver [British Columbia, Canada.]
posted by Carol Anne at 11:21 AM on November 30, 2001
Ringo Starr said he would miss the band's lead guitarist "for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter...George was a best friend of mine. I loved him very much and I will miss him greatly," he said in a statement from his home in Vancouver [British Columbia, Canada.]
posted by Carol Anne at 11:21 AM on November 30, 2001
"Heading For The Light" from "Traveling Wilburys" first album.
Been a George fan since I first heard his lead on "All My Loving" in 1964.
He seemed to be the one who most enjoyed and fulfilled his post-Beatle life.
We love you, George.
posted by mac at 12:12 PM on November 30, 2001
Been a George fan since I first heard his lead on "All My Loving" in 1964.
He seemed to be the one who most enjoyed and fulfilled his post-Beatle life.
We love you, George.
posted by mac at 12:12 PM on November 30, 2001
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" one of my favorites off of by far my favorite Beatles album...great song among many others. Thank you George!
posted by tdstone at 12:12 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by tdstone at 12:12 PM on November 30, 2001
Whenever I try to explain to a nonbeliever about the Beatles greatness, I always say, "Not only did they have John and Paul but also George, who in any other group would have been the unquestioned star." Well, I amend that, George was a star in the Beatles and on his own too. Goodbye George, you are missed.
posted by jonmc at 12:17 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by jonmc at 12:17 PM on November 30, 2001
> Been a George fan since I first heard
> his lead on "All My Loving" in 1964.
I too have been a Beatles fan all my life, since discovering my parents' "The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl" album when I was five or six. "All My Loving" is one of my favorites, and I never realized that was George singing.
posted by megnut at 12:26 PM on November 30, 2001
> his lead on "All My Loving" in 1964.
I too have been a Beatles fan all my life, since discovering my parents' "The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl" album when I was five or six. "All My Loving" is one of my favorites, and I never realized that was George singing.
posted by megnut at 12:26 PM on November 30, 2001
The Beatles First Visit DVD gives excellent insight into all their personalities (and was the basis for Hard Day's Night).
posted by timothompson at 1:12 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by timothompson at 1:12 PM on November 30, 2001
The primarily Harrison-penned (and sung) Something was the first song that I ever recognised as a serious ode to a specific lover. (I didn't know at the time that it was written for the oft-oded Patty 'Layla' Boyd, Harrison's first wife.) All I knew is that one day, I wanted to inspire someone to have that depth of feeling for me. From then on, I was a fan of The Beatles collectively and individually, and I mourn the loss of such an inspirational man and musician. There's not much more that can be said.
posted by Dreama at 1:17 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by Dreama at 1:17 PM on November 30, 2001
"'All My Loving' is one of my favorites..."
My apologies, megnut. I should have clarified that George played the lead guitar solo on "All My Loving". Paul actually sang the lead vocal on that one.
But also check out George's guitar solos on "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "If I Needed Someone".
posted by mac at 1:27 PM on November 30, 2001
My apologies, megnut. I should have clarified that George played the lead guitar solo on "All My Loving". Paul actually sang the lead vocal on that one.
But also check out George's guitar solos on "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "If I Needed Someone".
posted by mac at 1:27 PM on November 30, 2001
"Now there's nothing in the way to stop me Heading for the light."
posted by Mack Twain at 1:59 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by Mack Twain at 1:59 PM on November 30, 2001
"i me mine" was my favorite beatles song. george was my favorite beatle. i'm a sad lady today.
George: Hello, Homer. I'm George Harrison.
Homer: Oh my god, OH MY GOD!!! Where did you get that brownie?!?!
George: Over there. There's a big pile of them.
Homer: [Laughs crazily, then devours a whole bunch]
[satisfied] Oh, ma-an...[devours more]
George: Well, what a nice fellow.
god, i liked him.
posted by nicholm at 3:46 PM on November 30, 2001
George: Hello, Homer. I'm George Harrison.
Homer: Oh my god, OH MY GOD!!! Where did you get that brownie?!?!
George: Over there. There's a big pile of them.
Homer: [Laughs crazily, then devours a whole bunch]
[satisfied] Oh, ma-an...[devours more]
George: Well, what a nice fellow.
god, i liked him.
posted by nicholm at 3:46 PM on November 30, 2001
Mac, that makes so much more sense to me now. Thanks for the clarification. Lead = lead guitar. Duh.
posted by megnut at 4:29 PM on November 30, 2001
posted by megnut at 4:29 PM on November 30, 2001
I was at Strawberry Fields earlier tonight, and the atmosphere was unforgettable. People were singing songs all over, the Imagine circle was completely covered with candles, flowers, etc. News vans and cops were at the entrance of Women's Gate. There was this talented guitarist also there, performing by the ABC new van, the crowd singing along was just superb. I think the fact that George, himself announced a few months back that the end was near sort of softened the blow. The crowd was celebrating his life instead of the shocked mourning that followed John's death.
If you are in NYC or will be in NYC over the weekend, I suggest you pay a visit to Strawberry Fields.
posted by riffola at 12:10 AM on December 1, 2001
If you are in NYC or will be in NYC over the weekend, I suggest you pay a visit to Strawberry Fields.
posted by riffola at 12:10 AM on December 1, 2001
Thank you Riffola for sharing that, for those of us who can't make it out to NYC. I kinda wish the US press would just turn all their cameras to Strawberry Fields this weekend, instead of rehashing everything we already know about the ongoing war. I for one would much rather hear a chorus of fans singing. Your words though, will suffice.
posted by ZachsMind at 5:35 AM on December 2, 2001
posted by ZachsMind at 5:35 AM on December 2, 2001
Most underrated tune: Crackerbox Palace (good film clip too)
Worst cover: Jeff Healey - While My Guitar Gently Weeps
posted by jedro at 9:15 AM on December 2, 2001 [1 favorite]
Worst cover: Jeff Healey - While My Guitar Gently Weeps
posted by jedro at 9:15 AM on December 2, 2001 [1 favorite]
"Yesterday, today was tomorrow, and tomorrow, today will be yesterday.."
A good Christmas song for this year: Ding dong, ding dong from George Harrison's Dark Horse album.
"Ring out the false, ring in the true."
posted by ZachsMind at 1:18 AM on December 3, 2001
A good Christmas song for this year: Ding dong, ding dong from George Harrison's Dark Horse album.
"Ring out the false, ring in the true."
posted by ZachsMind at 1:18 AM on December 3, 2001
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posted by jetgrrl at 12:36 AM on November 30, 2001